ONTARIO - The good news: The small liquor store on N. Grove Avenue near Fourth Street in Ontario was in compliance with its alcohol license.

The bad news: The owner was arrested on suspicion of selling illegal cigarettes and possession of methamphetamine.

During a compliance check of numerous businesses that sell alcohol in various cities of San Bernardino County Friday night, Ontario Police officers and agents with the Alcoholic Beverage Control arrested 62-year-old Bipinchandra Patel of Diamond Bar after investigators found a few baggies of methamphetamine and cigarettes smuggled into the country to avoid paying taxes on the items, Lt. Bill Russell with the Ontario Police Department said.

The cigarettes lacked the proper stamp indicating California taxes had been paid and in fact, Russell said the packages were clearly marked as not for sale in the United States.

It's unclear if Patel or any of his employees were selling drugs from the business, said Russell, adding it was a possibility authorities would be investigating.

During the compliance check, officers also located a hand gun not registered to Patel. He was not arrested on any firearm charges because officials couldn't determine if it was legally registered to another family member or employee.